Over the last several months, many folks have been discussing a potential winter fat tire bike trail running through the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CCSRA).With support from many in our biking and trail community, I made a motion at an October CCSRA Advisory Council meeting to explore opportunities for a “Winter Tourism Package” — winter biking, snow shoeing, and skiing — beginning this month. We are also looking into the possibility of trout fishing through the ice in one of mine pits.

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Now, a pilot program has been approved, and the DNR is currently designing a winter fat bike trail system in the CCSRA. The plan calls for nine miles of groomed trails for fat tire bikes and snow shoeing during the winter months. We’ve seen great growth from our other bike trails — more than 15,500 people visited the Cuyuna mountain bike trails from May to November of this year, exceeding expectations — and these new winter trails are a continuation of that growth.

Expanding our bike and trail program enhances our great tourism industry, and provides jobs and economic growth for our region. I’m very appreciative that DNR officials saw the value in my motion.

I’m committed to protecting and enhancing tourism and the good-paying jobs it helps create for the people living in our area and throughout the state of Minnesota.

I've worked at the Brainerd Dispatch with various duties since Dec. 7, 1983. Starting off as an Ad Designer and currently Director of Audience Development. The Dispatch has been an interesting and challenging place to work. I'm fortunate to have made many friends, both co-workers and customers.